TLDR
Bold Sichuan flavors like tingly tofu pudding & tender stir-fried rabbit [1]. Unassuming spot in Hell's Kitchen worth braving Times Square for. Great for groups & pre-theater, BYOB too [1].
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Sky Pavilion, a Hell's Kitchen Sichuan restaurant that offers bold flavors like tingly tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit, making it a worthwhile destination even in Times Square.
Details
Sky Pavilion in Hell's Kitchen is an unassuming Sichuan restaurant that offers bold and authentic flavors, making it a worthwhile destination even in the bustling Times Square area [1]. The menu features a variety of specialties, from tingly tofu pudding to tender stir-fried rabbit, with options that cater to both adventurous eaters and those new to Sichuan cuisine [1]. While the atmosphere is generally unfussy, it's a suitable spot for large groups and pre-theater dining, with the added benefit of being BYOB [1].
Food Overview
Sky Pavilion is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine, offering bold flavors and a wide range of dishes. Highlights include tingly tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit, with other praised items like Braised Fish Fillet with Sichuan Pepper and Dry Stir Fried Pork Intestine [1]. For those less inclined towards spice or offal, there are also non-spicy options such as Braised Tofu With Crab Meat Sauce and Stir-Fried Loofah [1]. The restaurant is also known for its Kung Pao chicken, recommended to be ordered in the Chinese style for a more traditional preparation [2]. Some diners found the Dan Dan noodles just okay, but praised the soup dumplings [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"Recommended dishes at Sky Pavilion include the Kung Pao chicken (ordered Chinese style), crispy hot chicken, whole fish with bean sauce, Mapo tofu, roast duck, and double cooked pork [1], [2]. The soup dumplings are also noted as being great [3]."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a very positive impression of Sky Pavilion, praising its authentic Sichuan flavors and diverse menu options. The restaurant is noted as being good for large groups and pre-theater dining [1].
Caveats
One user noted that while Sky Pavilion may be listed as BYOB online, they did not allow the commenter to open their own beer because the restaurant sells beer but not wine or liquor [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SKY PAVILION
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Something Easy Lunch Or Dinner For 2 Demoralized
"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street, serves excellent Szechuan food, with the crispy hot chicken being a standout. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is never crowded."
PositiveFrom post: Got A Job At Times Square Any Good Cheap Food
"Sky Pavilion was listed as one of several dining options in the Times Square area."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Chinatown Spot That Has Alcoholdrinks On
"Sky Pavilion is highly recommended, but despite being listed as BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) online, they did not allow the commenter to open their own beer because they sell beer but not wine or liquor."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Taking Out Of Tower Family
"Sky Pavilion is recommended for Chinese food, noting they have large tables suitable for groups."
PositiveFrom post: King Pao Chicken Like This In Ny
"This commenter mentions Sky Pavilion in response to the query about Kung Pao chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chinese
"Provided detailed recommendations for Sky Pavilion, emphasizing that many dishes are spicy and suggesting to ask staff about spice levels."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chinese
"Asked for recommendations at Sky Pavilion, expressing openness to trying different dishes."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Requested recommendations for Sky Pavilion, noting a lack of familiarity with the cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Inquired about recommendations at Sky Pavilion due to unfamiliarity with Sichuan cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Listed Sky Pavilion as a recommendation, specifying it serves Sichuan cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Sky Pavilion is recommended as a good Chinese restaurant, located between 8th and 9th Avenues on 42nd Street. The user later provided detailed recommendations on dishes, noting that many are spicy."
PositiveFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a potentially tourist-friendly option in the Times Square area."
NeutralFrom post: Great Eats For A Picky Teen
"Sky Pavilion is suggested as a Chinese restaurant option."
PositiveFrom post: Family Style Chinese Food Dinner In Midtown Nyc
"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a restaurant recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Suggestions Chinese Restaurant Around The West
"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street near 8th avenue, was recommended."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"This commenter suggested trying Chongqing chicken or Laziji, describing it as similar to the dish at Sky Pavilion but drier, with more cumin tones, and without peanuts."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"The commenter noted the similarity of the dish to Chongqing Chicken (La Zi Ji) from Sichuan cuisine, characterized by numbing peppercorns and abundant chilis. They pointed out it's typically a drier dish than Kung Pao and suggested checking Sichuan restaurants for similar options with varying names."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"The commenter expressed excitement about trying the dish, appreciating the tip for finding spicy Kung Pao."
PositiveFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"Expressing interest in trying the dish due to a preference for extra spicy food."
PositiveFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"The author shared their experience with the Kung Pao chicken from Sky Pavilion, describing it as very spicy with good chicken but an abundance of chilis and peppercorns. They found it a bit too pricey for what it is, ultimately rating it a B+."
Negative